Equality Arlington Signs Joint Letter Thanking 5 Northern Virginia School Districts for Protecting Trans Students

Written By Kellen MacBeth

Dear School Board Members and Superintendents,

As parents and community members who are deeply committed to the human and civil rights of all of our students in the City of Alexandria, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Loudoun County, and Prince William County, we thank you for standing up for our transgender, nonbinary, and gender-expansive students. You faced down the illegal and cruel demands of the U.S. Department of Education and refused to sell out our students.

The importance of inclusive policies that affirm and welcome transgender and nonbinary students, as well as all other students who belong to marginalized communities, is undeniable. These policies and practices foster a culture that affirms the dignity of each student and celebrates our diversity as individuals. Thank you for recognizing the critical importance of making sure our schools are safe and supportive environments for all students.

Thousands of northern Virginia families, teachers, and residents in each of the five targeted school districts are standing firmly behind you. Thank you for standing up to federal bullying, for your commitment to following federal and Virginia law, and for your decision to maintain nondiscrimination policies that protect transgender, nonbinary, and gender expansive students. Over 3,000 northern Virginia residents signed letters of support, making it clear that each of the school communities stands with you in resisting this unprecedented federal pressure:

  • City of Alexandria: 343 signatures on joint letter

  • Arlington County: 980 signatures on joint letter

  • Fairfax County: 8,957 emails sent to school board members

  • Loudoun County: 812 signatures on joint letter

  • Prince William County: 2,060 emails sent to school board members

The U.S. Department of Education’s demands are an illegal attempt to violate the human and civil rights of vulnerable transgender, nonbinary, and gender expansive students and we know that more discriminatory demands will follow. We will stand with you now and will stand with you going forward as the civil rights of more students are threatened by a federal government intent on discriminating against many marginalized groups. Together we can fight to ensure that all kids have a school environment where they can thrive.

Signed:

Alexandria City Coalition for Equality

Arlington Gender Identity Alliance

Defenders of Public Education PW County

Equality Arlington

Equality Loudoun

FCPS Pride

Loudoun4All

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Click here to view this letter as a PDF

Kellen MacBeth
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Equality Arlington Calls On Arlington Public Schools to Oppose Discrimination Against Transgender and Nonbinary Students